Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[david_rachel]

So do you need a new handle as well:

http://www.caravanparts.co.uk/6511-coupling-head-handle-p-1779.html
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David Rachel
1972 Triumph 2.5PI Est Royal Blue
1968 MG 1300 Sal Connaught Green
1978 Carlight Casetta
http://carlightrestoration.blogspot.co.uk
1995 Lada Riva 1.5 Est Red

[ajlelectronics]

No, it's part 54 I need. The handbrake sleeve. I can bind it with tape temporarily, but it's a shame when everything else is all refurbished!

Still waiting for a reply from the gaiter supplier. The damper hasn't arrived either.
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Evans Waterless Coolants
Find this and more at http://www.classicmicrocars.com
Sat TV / Aerial systems etc: http://www.ajlelectronics.co.uk

[ajlelectronics]

Very poor response from seller of the gaiter. " We only sell one universal gaiter so you must have the right one". I have responded pointing out that it doesn't match the description and have heard nothing. I opened a complaint case at Ebay and still no response.

I have asked someone to take the hitch to Golden Castle Caravans and have a ferret through their parts bin. They seem to think they will have something to fit.

Edit..

Oh well it was worth a try. At least I have tracked one down now from a most unlikely source!
_________________
Evans Waterless Coolants
Find this and more at http://www.classicmicrocars.com
Sat TV / Aerial systems etc: http://www.ajlelectronics.co.uk

[ajlelectronics]

Still no response so I satrted doing some digging. Finally I have found the original gaiter from a specialist supplier. I'm not sure how many they have, but I intend to ask them and keep some in stock. They are £20 each, but I paid over £10 for the useless one from the useless supplier on Ebay and will probably end up having to pay to return it.

So if anyone else wants a genuine gaiter for a Cheltenham, let me know and I will do it at cost plus post.


Just waiting for the damper now so that I can return it to the road.
_________________
Evans Waterless Coolants
Find this and more at http://www.classicmicrocars.com
Sat TV / Aerial systems etc: http://www.ajlelectronics.co.uk

[david_rachel]

[ajlelectronics]

There is a replacement Sigma handbrake lever at £64.50 but that's all. I may have to adapt something.

I see that they list the dampers too. Wish I had realised as I might have received it by now. Nearly a week since I ordered it from Ebay.

The original gaiter seller didn't respond to my exchange request, just issued a refund with no comment. Very helpful, just please I found the right one now, or I would have been stuck.
_________________
Evans Waterless Coolants
Find this and more at http://www.classicmicrocars.com
Sat TV / Aerial systems etc: http://www.ajlelectronics.co.uk

[david_rachel]

Isn't there a Beta handle as well? Doesn't one of those have the plastic piece attached to it that you require?
_________________
David Rachel
1972 Triumph 2.5PI Est Royal Blue
1968 MG 1300 Sal Connaught Green
1978 Carlight Casetta
http://carlightrestoration.blogspot.co.uk
1995 Lada Riva 1.5 Est Red

[ajlelectronics]

I think the Beta handbrake is a different design, but I will look again.

Recieved the hitch damper finally. It looks the same but works differently. The original one works a bit like a gas strut, in that it resists compression and tries to return to its extended position when released.

The new one works like any car damper in that it resists movement in both directions. That doesn't seem to be a logical operation to me, it means that the car has to pull the brakes off, so trying to unhitch the caravan after reversing means that the caravan will not move.

Comments anyone?
_________________
Evans Waterless Coolants
Find this and more at http://www.classicmicrocars.com
Sat TV / Aerial systems etc: http://www.ajlelectronics.co.uk

[ajlelectronics]

[Margo]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/B-B-Trailers-caravan-beta-and-sigma-coupling-head-spring-set-BCS1-/180792796017?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item2a18172371

[Brian M]

Sorry Margo - I reckon this offers much better value. I got about 6 sets of the handle springs in my bag.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100-ASSORTED-COMPRESSION-AND-TENSION-EXPANSION-SPRINGS-LOTS-OF-SIZES-/290709845308?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43afa8353c
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Brian
1970 Volvo Amazon and 1978 Safari 15-4 Caravan
Classic Safari Forum: www.classicsafaris.co.uk

[ajlelectronics]

Thanks for that Margo. I did buy an assorted set of springs and have fitted the best combination I can find. However, they are not good enough, even doubled up. The originals seem quite strong and are made of thick wire. I will be buying the original set, a hitch detachment is the last thing I need.

I managed to damage the gas box by jacknifing the caravan when reversing, so another repair to do.

In other news, I have started to overhaul the brakes. The original linings were broken up and the rivets had scored the drums quite deeply. I couldn't find replacements, so they have gone off to Villiers in Merry Hill to be relined. They can fit thicker linings to compensate for the chunk they will take out of the drums. Not bad value, £18.00 inc return carriage.

The last issue that I have is the hub grease seal. This is the one that sits against the backplate. In one of my hubs, the seal has come to pieces and needs replacing. How would I find such a beast?
_________________
Evans Waterless Coolants
Find this and more at http://www.classicmicrocars.com
Sat TV / Aerial systems etc: http://www.ajlelectronics.co.uk

[ajlelectronics]

I have found a source of bearings and the oil seals. Trouble is, they need the old seal to be measured and I have just sent the drums off for skimming with all the bits intact.
_________________
Evans Waterless Coolants
Find this and more at http://www.classicmicrocars.com
Sat TV / Aerial systems etc: http://www.ajlelectronics.co.uk

[ajlelectronics]

Seal issue hopefully sorted now. New set of springs for the hitch ordered, although how they justify that amount of money is beyond me!

Brake shoes are being relined this week and the drums skimmed. Fingers crossed for a weekend rebuild.

My supplier of the hitch gaiters has gone quiet on me. Not sure if that means he has no more, but I will have to get around to chasing him up.
_________________
Evans Waterless Coolants
Find this and more at http://www.classicmicrocars.com
Sat TV / Aerial systems etc: http://www.ajlelectronics.co.uk

[ajlelectronics]